By: Ariana Page
Kennesaw State (9-20, 0-6 Conference USA)
Location: Chattanooga, Tenn.
Game: Tuesday, March 18 @ 5:30 p.m.
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KENNESAW, Ga. – Kennesaw State (9-20, 0-6 Conference USA) opens their seven-game road stretch at Chattanooga (18-8, 0-0 SoCon) on Tuesday, March 18 at 5:30 p.m. in Frost Stadium. The Owls aim to break the deadlock in the series history, which has remained tied at 2-2 over the past four years.
Series History
Kennesaw State and Chattanooga have faced off four times between February 10, 2019, and February 21, 2021. The series is tied at 2-2. The last matchup took place on February 21, 2021, where Kennesaw State triumphed with a 13-2 victory. In that game, Kennesaw State scored consistently, with a big nine-run fourth inning sealing the win. The first matchup occurred on February 10, 2019, with Kennesaw State losing 4-15 at home in Kennesaw, GA. Their home record stands at 0-1, their away record at 2-1. Kennesaw State scored a total of 29 runs across these games, averaging 7.25 runs per game.
A Smashing Start
Kennesaw State has come out swinging to start the 2025 season, blasting 15 home runs through just 26 games, including three that landed on March 12 when the Owls faced West Georgia. Notably, Jojo Johnson smashed a walk-off grand slam for the first time in Owl's history since the 2023 season, marking her first collegiate home run. The Owls are only three away from surpassing last season's total. Leading the power surge is Ava Guzowski with four home runs, while Ana Gore follows closely behind with three. Ty Hardeman and Lexie Shaver each have two home runs, with four other Owls contributing one each. Guzowski has been a key to the offensive, hitting the first inside-the-park home run of the 2025 season, driving in 13 RBIs and tallying 43 total bases. Hardeman has been just as impactful, batting .231 with 16 RBIs. Shaver has added 13 RBIs with five doubles while reaching base 35 times. Hannah Harvey had an impressive hitting streak, tallying a total of 27 hits.
Stepping up to the Plate
Freshman Ana Gore has been a key offensive force for Kennesaw State, collecting 25 hits and leading in RBIs with 19, while adding power to the lineup with 11 doubles. She showcased her consistency with back-to-back home runs against Georgia State on February 18. Jojo Johnson and Gore have been the only freshmen to start every game this season and are two of the five players to have started every game. Alora Bevily has also been perfect on the base paths, going 4-for-4 in stolen bases. With four new Owls in the lineup, their growing team development will only strengthen their power at the plate as the season progresses.
Inside the Circle
The pitching staff has been a key factor for Kennesaw State. Kenley Hilleary has logged a team-high 57.1 innings, posting a 3.42 ERA with 38 strikeouts. Emma Friedel delivered a complete-game shutout against Georgia State, allowing just three hits while striking out six and holding the Panthers scoreless in a 1-0 victory. Friedel now boasts a total of 44.0 innings pitched with 45 strikeouts on the season. Friedel has shown her dominance in relief against West Georgia (3/12). She pitched a perfect two innings to close the game, recording six strike outs and another three up, three down in the top of the sixth. Leah Jannakos delivered a standout performance against in-state ACC opponent Georgia Tech, holding them scoreless through four innings.
CUSA Control
Kennesaw State is making its presence known within Conference USA, with several players and the team as a whole placing on the leaderboard. Ana Gore has been a force at the plate, leading the conference with 11 doubles, ranking among the top 10 in the NCAA. Gore is also ranked 15th in CUSA with 19 RBIs. Ty Hardeman's 16 RBIs keeps her in the top 25. In the circle, Emma Fridel has been racking up strikeouts, placing eighth in CUSA with 43. Defensively, Jojo Johnson is a standout, leading the conference and ranking 18th nationally with 66 assists. Ava closely follows closely in second place in the conference with 59 assists and 20th with four homeruns. At first base, Lexie Shaver's 176 putouts placed her first in the conference. As a team, the Owls are fourth in CUSA with 44 doubles. Behind the plate, Macie Howes's seven caught stealing places her third in CUSA.
Power Four Proof
Kennesaw State has proven they can compete with some of the nation's top programs, going toe-to-toe with multiple Power Four opponents this season. The Owls struck first against No. 20 Northwestern, holding the lead through two innings and keeping it a one-run game until the end. Against Kentucky, KSU battled to a tie through three innings, showcasing their resilience against the Wildcats. The Owls also put up strong fights against Iowa and Penn State, while their defense held No. 10 Texas Tech and Pitt to just a few runs in hard-fought contests. Most recently, the Owls' pitching staff held Georgia Tech to four scoreless innings, demonstrating their ability to contain ACC-powered offenses.
On Deck
KSU will take flight to Texas to face CUSA foe Sam Houston starting Friday, March 21 at 7 p.m. ET.
Admission is free to all Kennesaw State softball home games in 2025.
